Tassels and Pom-Poms (+ How You Can Make these On-Trend Embellishments)
lockwise from top left, Baa-ble Hat, design by Donna Smith (©Donna Smith); #056 Cotton Tassel Blanket, design by Leslie Scanlon (©Mac & Me); Linden, design by Danielle Romanetti (©RainyDaisy); pom-pom gift wrap from Better Homes and Gardens (©Better Homes and Gardens)
Tassels and pom-poms have always been a finishing piece for hand knitters. Because they are a great way to use up extra yarn leftover from a project, we stitchers love to attach them to hats, scarves, and blanket edges. We also use them to adorn the tops of wrapped gifts, to give the recipient a bit of a clue to the contents of the package.
lockwise from top left, Baa-ble Hat, design by Donna Smith (©Donna Smith); #056 Cotton Tassel Blanket, design by Leslie Scanlon (©Mac & Me); Linden, design by Danielle Romanetti (©RainyDaisy); pom-pom gift wrap from Better Homes and Gardens (©Better Homes and Gardens)
To my delight, tassels and pom-poms are totally on trend this year.
This Twine and Twig tassel necklace is a staple in my wardrobe this season. You can pick one up at The Shoe Hive! I also snatched up these tasseled flats by Freda Salvador this spring because I just couldn’t resist the pony hair tassel on the back zipper. And I’m loving this pom-pom adorned bin from Red Barn Mercantile. There are inspirations all around this season.
Even if you aren’t a knitter, you can make and add these fun adornments to your store-bought pillows, blankets, scarves, shoes, and even earrings. Here are some tips for making your own:
- Use natural fiber, preferably wool, for pom-poms. It is more difficult to make pom-poms with acrylics and other man-made fibers, as they don’t have the natural bounce and give that wool has.
- Choose the right fiber for the object. You may want a machine washable wool for something like a pillow or blanket. Untreated wool works well for items you intend to hand wash like wool or cashmere hats and scarves or the tops of your favorite summer sandals.
- Tassels lend themselves to more fiber options. Linen, paper, and raffia make gorgeous tassels for lamps, curtains, cards, and more.
- Make it easy on yourself and get a good tool. While you can make a pom-pom or tassel by wrapping yarn around a DVD of Lord of the Rings, it’s not the cleanest way to make them. There are plenty of pom-pom makers out there. Our shop favorite is the Loome tool, which serves as both pom-pom maker AND tassel maker in one beautiful wood tool! (Available at fibre space, $16)
- Knot twice! Once you are ready to tie off your tassel or pom-pom, be sure to tie down a tight knot and tie it twice to ensure that you don’t lose any of the tiny pieces of your tassel or pom-pom.
©theloome
- Think outside the box! With a good tool and some creative materials, you can make one-of-a-kind pieces that will be part of your wardrobe for years. Check out this nifty idea from the Loome, which uses a copper fitting and strips of t-shirt material to make a tassel necklace.
©theloome
- Experiment with color and wrap more than one color of yarn for your tassel or pom-pom.
- Have fun! Very little skill is needed to make these, so relax and enjoy playing with the yarn or material and figuring out all of the places they can go.
- About the shop
fibre space™ specializes in unique yarns and fibres from hand dyed, independent, local and U.S.-made sources for knitting, crochet & spinning. Enjoy our wide selection of classes, designer workshops, yarn tastings, movie nights & more. Join the community in our comfy lounge, and let the helpful staff at fibre space™ get you started on your next handmade creation!
1319 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.664.0344
